He thought about his mother and father. They had been very much in love with one another. He could recall many evenings when he and Giovanni were small. The family would gather in the central courtyard of their modest home in Naples. Under the sparking stars, they would listen to the sounds of the night. Sometimes his father would tell the two boys stories. Sometimes, their mother would sing softly. Other times, they would sit quietly and simply enjoy being together. No matter how naughty Giovanni had been during the day, the evenings were peaceful. Charles attributed that to the love his parents shared. He could see them seated in that courtyard, holding hands—each night. Even when Giovanni grew into the monster that he was, his parents—despite their grief and guilt—still found comfort in one another, in the respect and affection that they shared.
That—Charles thought—was what he wanted to have with Barbara. But, he knew that could never be. Still, he was beside himself with pain knowing that he had left her alone in the cold, outside of Big Ollie’s shop.
Where would he go?
He had said he would return to the Duke of Fallbridge. But, would the Duke take him back? Charles had not only left his post without a word, he had betrayed the Duke by going off with his errant sister. Worse still, Charles had truly been insufferable to the Duke. At best he was rude, but it wasn’t only that. He had mocked the man. Certainly the Duke was mad, but it was a harmless sort of madness which made the aristocratic gentleman all the more generous and kind.
“If only I had understood that before,” Charles said aloud as he walked.
Yes, the Duke would take him back. Despite his oddness, the Duke of Fallbridge was nothing if not forgiving. However, Charles thought, the Halifaxes would never trust him again. Dr. Halifax would always look at him with that disapproving look—his light blue eyes cold and suspicious.
Charles sighed as his boots clomped on the wood of the docks. He only had one choice. He’d have to find a place on a ship. Maybe he could go back to Italy or the Netherlands. All he knew was that he had to get away from Barbara or he’d forever be going back to her. Yes, she would haunt him forever, but at least he would not be tempted to seek her out. Furthermore, he knew he would never feel safe until he was separated from his brother by a large body of water.
Charles looked around the docks, hoping to find someone he could approach about a position, no matter how modest. He was quite shocked, however, to see the Duke of Fallbridge standing with Dr. Halifax at a distance from the rest of their companion.
Cecil Halifax was the first to spot Charles.
Charles thought about running off as Cecil approached him, but he knew it was no good.
Nodding politely, he greeted Mr. Halifax.
“So, you’ve come back to us?” Cecil glared.
“Not intentionally, Sir.” Charles replied. “I didn’t know you were here.”
“Is that so?” Cecil raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, Sir.” Charles nodded.
“Have you gotten that woman out of your system?” Cecil asked.
“I don’t think I’ll ever not love her, Sir.” Charles answered honestly. “However, I recognize that I cannot be with her.”
“Come with me,” Cecil ordered.
“Why, Sir?”
“I want you to speak with His Grace.”
“I don’t think that would be for the best, Sir.” Charles responded.
“No?” Cecil smiled. “What will you do with yourself?”
“Sir?”
“Don’t you wish to take your position back?”
“I don’t dare ask, Sir.”
“The fact of the matter is, Charles, we need you.” Cecil answered bluntly.
“Sir?”
“If you’ve truly come to your senses, His Grace needs a valet. Our man, Gerard, has been injured and we need someone to look after the Duke aboard the ship. You did well enough with him. I trust you’ll continue to do so—providing you can keep your attitude in line.”
“I would, Sir, if you want me back.”
“It’s not that I want you back. It’s not for me to say. I only know that we need someone and, somehow, Providence has seen fit to return you to us. The decision isn’t mine to make, but His Grace should have the opportunity to decide. He’s owed that, don’t you think?”
“I owe him much more, Sir.”
“Well, here’s your chance to repay your debt.”
Did you miss Chapters 1-443? If so, you can read them here.
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